The London Stock Exchange has denied that it has received an approach from the New York Stock Exchange.

It’s also being put about that the LSE hopes the NYSE will act as a white knight to deflect Nasdaq’s interest, while New York’s John Thain appears more interested in Euronext now that Nasdaq has got its teeth into the London exchange.

The UK Daily Mail quotes “a source” as saying: “Everyone is on the dance floor looking around frantically to make sure someone doesn’t waltz off with their favourite partner.”

Who then will be Lord of the Dance?